FOXA1: master of steroid receptor function in cancer

FOXA transcription factors are potent, context-specific mediators of development that hold specialized functions in hormone-dependent tissues. Over the last several years, FOXA1 has emerged as a critical mediator of nuclear steroid receptor signalling, manifest at least in part through regulation of androgen receptor and oestrogen receptor activity. Recent findings point towards a major role for FOXA1 in modulating nuclear steroid receptor activity in breast and prostate cancer, and suggest that FOXA1 may significantly contribute to pro-tumourigenic phenotypes. The present review article will focus on the mechanisms, consequence, and clinical relevance of FOXA1-mediated steroid nuclear receptor signalling in human malignancy. The EMBO Journal (2011) 30, 3885-3894. doi:10.1038/emboj.2011.340; Published online 20 September 2011